Beijing, China: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is being chauffeured in China's Hongqi L5 limousine during his two-day trip to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. The L5, considered China's state limousine, is the official car of President Xi Jinping and is used exclusively by the country's top leadership as well as select international guests. Notably, Xi himself used the same model during his 2019 visit to Mahabalipuram for talks with Modi.
What is Hongqi?
Hongqi — which means “Red Flag” in Mandarin — is one of China's most prestigious car brands. Operated by the state-run First Automobile Works (FAW) Group, it was first introduced in 1958, making it the country's oldest passenger car marque. Symbolically tied to China's “Made in China” vision, Hongqi has always represented luxury and prestige for the nation's political elite.
Initially designed exclusively for Communist Party officials, Hongqi production was halted in 1981 but revived in the 1990s. Today, the L5 remains its most iconic flagship model.
Key Features of the Hongqi L5
Powered by a 6.0-litre V12 engine producing over 400 hp.
Accelerates from 0–100 kmph in roughly 8.5 seconds, with a top speed of about 210 kmph.
The limousine measures more than 5.5 metres in length and weighs over 3 tonnes.
Interiors include leather seats, wooden trim, jade accents, and rear-seat features such as massage, heating, cooling, and entertainment systems.
Safety technologies feature all-wheel drive, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and 360-degree cameras.
With a price tag of nearly 5 million yuan (approx. ₹7 crore), it stands as China's most expensive production vehicle.
Evolution of Hongqi Cars
The journey began with the CA72 in 1958, recognised by its distinctive fan-shaped grille. It was followed by the CA770 in 1963, widely used in parades and for hosting dignitaries, with only about 1,600 units built until 1980. Though backed by Mao Zedong, he only began using the car after Richard Nixon's visit in 1972.
After production slowed, Hongqi entered a rebadging phase, selling models based on cars like the Audi 100 and Lincoln Town Car from 1995 to 2006. The HQ3, inspired by Toyota Crown, failed commercially. However, in the mid-2010s, the brand regained its status with the launch of the H7 sedan and the flagship L5 limousine.
In 2018, FAW repositioned Hongqi with a stronger luxury identity under the banner of “Chinese premium.” Sales skyrocketed from 33,000 units in 2018 to 300,000 in 2021. By 2023, Hongqi had diversified with ultra-luxury Golden Sunflower models, New Energy electric cars, and the QM7 minibus. In 2024, sales hit 411,000 units, with an ambitious expansion plan of 1,000 outlets across Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
Xi Jinping and Hongqi
President Xi Jinping is often seen travelling in Hongqi cars, especially the L5, during state functions. He also uses the Hongqi N701, a specially armoured limousine frequently compared to the American presidential vehicle, “The Beast.”
